Edo urges federal MDAs to pay N2bn tax debt

Alexander Okere

The Edo State Internal Revenue Service has called on federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state to clear their tax debt, amounting to over N2bn in arrears, being owed the state government between 2014 and 2015.

The Executive Chairman of the revenue agency, Chief Oseni Elamah, made the call during a one-day sensitisation programme for heads of federal MDAs in Benin, the state capital.

Elamah, who was represented by the Executive Director (Tax Operations), Mr. John Obaze, explained that while some of the federal institutions failed to file their tax returns, others defaulted in deductions and remittance of accurate taxes in spite of the provisions of relevant tax laws.

“If they all pay their taxes and file their returns accurately, there is no doubt that it will increase the revenue due to Edo State because, as we speak, there are huge debts owed by federal MDAs from 2014 to 2015,” he said.

He added, “So, if there is more compliance, I am sure that it will reduce their level of indebtedness. Our expectations are that they (MDAs) will all file their tax returns accurately and remit fully and promptly the taxes due to Edo State.”

However, the Executive Director (Tax Enforcement), Mr. Emmanuel Usoh, noted that the revenue agency would not hesitate to press criminal charges against defaulting institutions in order to ensure that the state improves its revenue generation amidst the current economic downturn.